Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, August 28
Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution under Rule 102, urging that the natural disaster triggered by heavy monsoon rains be declared a “national calamity.” The motion, supported by both the ruling party and the opposition BJP, reflected the scale of destruction across the state.
Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania also convened a meeting with officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the state government, instructing them to work in close coordination on road restoration and relief operations.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri told the House that several districts, including Chamba, Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti, had suffered extensive damage to roads, electricity and mobile networks. He said conditions were “under control” and appealed to the public not to panic or believe in rumours.
Agnihotri confirmed that 3,000 pilgrims stranded during the Chamba Manimahesh Yatra had been rescued. Four helicopters have been stationed in Chamba, while Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti have also been allocated aircraft for relief work, subject to weather conditions. The Army may be called in if required, he added. The Deputy CM criticised Kangana Ranaut, BJP MP from Mandi, for what he called a “misleading tweet” about the situation. “People holding such high positions should refrain from spreading misinformation,” he said.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi has left for Chamba to oversee relief efforts on the ground. Pathania noted that nearly 8,000 travellers were stranded in Chamba but said evacuation operations were under way.
The Speaker stressed that Himalayan states face unique challenges and called for a separate policy framework to balance development with environmental concerns.
“The administration is working round the clock on relief and rescue. The situation will stabilise soon, and I will also visit my home district of Chamba tomorrow,” Pathania told the Assembly.
